It is time for your infamous annual holiday party.  People arrive throughout the evening.  Food is set on the tables.  Movement flows throughout the house.  There is music, people, and food.  All contributing factors to why your party is a huge success.  However, this year there is a new addition to your home.  You adopted a dog.

What are you going to do with your dog during this vibrant experience?  You cannot allow the dog to move about freely when there are chocolate desserts and other harmful food items laying about.  What if pieces of chocolate accidentally fall without notice and your dog eats it off the ground?  The best thing to do is keep your dog happy and out of sight during this time.  Here are some tips on how to achieve this goal.

Practice Makes Perfect

The first step is to practice ringing the doorbell with your dog inside.  Get your dog familiar with the sound of having numerous people walk inside the house while others are mingling, leaving and entering.  One way to do this is enlist the help of neighbors, co-workers and other people your dog may not see frequently.

When someone rings the doorbell, practice the “stay” command with your dog.  Use the room designated to your dog to “stay” in during the night of the party.  Equip it with chew toys, puzzle toys and Kong.  Make your dog comfortable to sitting there alone while people ring the doorbell and walk about the home.  By the night of your party, your dog will be familiar with the routine.  The anxiety and excitement your dog may feel would not occur.  The dog would remain peaceful and happy in the play area situated away from your party guests.

To find out more tips on how to prepare your dog for the holidays, talk to a Florida dog training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today!